WordPress Extra Comment Fields Plugin

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Solaceten

Sept 2011: please note that this plugin version is now no longer for sale and will shortly be replaced with version2 – see the news page for updates

This plugin allows you to add additional fields to the standard WordPress Comments Form.

Features

You can add as many extra comment fields as you like – I’ve set it up with 4 enabled: phone number, age, location and country drop down. You can see these below on the comment form for this page (feel free to test it).
You can easily change these, delete these or add additional fields – it’s up to you how many you have!
Additional fields can be hidden or displayed on the comments page. They do not (by default) show on the submitted comments, even after you have approved it. This is because these extra comment fields are hidden comments (like the email field) – if you want to display any of the additional fields, this is easily achieved by modifying the code (instruction on how to do this is included in the files – some knowledge of php required).
Additional comments fields show in the admin comments section. They do not show in the WordPress dashboard (this functionality is planned for a later release).
The additional comment fields are not editable in the admin comment edit page (editing functionality is planned for a later release).
The additional comments fields do not show in the admin email notification – although this can be enabled with a small change in the plugin code (instructions provided).

WordPress Version Compatibility

Tested and working on WordPress version 3.0 (Dec 2010)
Tested and working on WordPress version 3.01 (Dec 2010)
Tested and working on WordPress version 3.02 (Dec 2010)
Tested and working with WordPress 3.03 (Dec 2010)
Tested and working with WordPress 3.04 (Jan 1st 2011)
Tested and working with WordPress 3.05 (Feb 2011) NOTE: see these comments
CAUTION: WordPress 3.1 / 3.2 – Not Yet Compatible – Update coming soon….. see here for more

Theme & Language Compatibility

Tested and working on Twentyten theme
Tested on several custom themes
Many users have tested on custom themes
Provided in UK English. Currently no translation file included, however, we’re aware of several other languages in use (including Turkish, German, Swedish)

Plugin Version 1.3 – updated 1st Jan 2011 – screenshots, changelog and installation PDF below.

The plugin was originally written by ideas shower (credit to them). I needed this functionality for a site I was working on and couldn’t get the original code to work. I spent absolutley ages looking around the net but there seemed to be nothing that would do what I wanted! Crazy to think that it’s so hard to add an extra comment field to the WordPress comments form!

I spent a fair while working on the old code in conjunction with another developer. Because of this, I’m not giving it away, I’m asking for a small contribution that will enable me to continue to support the plugin and develop future upgrades and versions.

I am asking people to please respect the fact that I’ve reworked this plugin. Do what you like with it, but do not publish it or make it freely available elsewhere on the net. I hope that’s acceptable to you. If not – please don’t purchase it. See here for full terms & conditions of sale

It works fine in Twentyten and I have also added it to a few other custom themes – so it does work and is easily modifiable with a little bit of HTML / PHP knowledge. If you don’t feel comfortable with modifying the code, I can help you for a small fee to cover my time.

Testimonial From Recent Purchaser

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thanks for the files!

I had it all up and running in 20 minutes!

Thank you very much for the explanation and help.

Everything described in the readme file cleared everything and made it easy to install

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Screen shots and install instructions are below

Buy the plugin and get instant download
BASIC plugin – US$15 Instant Download*No UpdatesOne Support Enquiry^		FULL Plugin – US$55 Instant Download*Lifetime updates2 Support Enquiries^
PURCHASE DISABLED – NEW VERSION COMING SOON		PURCHASE DISABLED – NEW VERSION COMING SOON
One off purchase with no additional updates.^ One installation support enquiry via email during support hours (see contact page). We will help you resolve one specific issue, regardless of the number of emails it takes.		You’re entitled to free lifetime updates whenever an update is available.Updates are generally provided soon after WordPress is updated, and / or when additional features are added (there are several planned and in the works!)^ You also get two installation support enquiries via email during support hours per release version.

* The download link will be sent to your registered Paypal email address automatically, once your payment transaction has been completed successfully - so make sure the Paypal email address you are using is correct and that you have access to it!

Support enquiries are handled by email and does not include specific installation service. I do want this to work for you too, so once you’ve purchased the plugin, I will help you out as much as I can, in accordance with the plugin type you buy. For a small additional fee, I will provide installation / modification support if required. You can leave a comment below if you’d like further info, or contact me.

Current Version 1.3

If you’ve already bought the plugin with lifetime updates, just drop me a line and I’ll send you the latest version. Future releases will be extended with additional functionality (planned for March 2011). Details on this coming soon.

Screenshots below – and CLICK HERE to open the version1.3 installation instructions (PDF – opens in new window).

Changelog for existing users to check the latest changes:

v1.3 – 1/1/2011

- added ability to use drop downs in comments form fields

- added ability to not display empty comment fields in functions.php

- fixed missing tag in functions.php

- tested with WordPress version 3.04

V1.2 – 21/12/2010:

- Fixed issue of pending comments displaying as anonymous

- Added additional instruction (see line 369 below) to enable adding comments to admin email

- Updated Readme file

- updated admin plugin options page

v1.1: Dec 2010

- Tested and working fine in Twentyten theme. You may need to modify some parts of your files to fit any other theme – it’s relatively easy – read the install instructions for more!

- Changed variables in plugin file to remove hard coded field reference

- added multiple field capability (added the fields)

v1 July 2010: initial redevelopment script

PURCHASE DISABLED – NEW VERSION COMING SOON

44 thoughts on “WordPress Extra Comment Fields Plugin”

solaceten on December 4, 2010 at 4:43 am said:

As you can see – the extra comments fields are displayed on the comment form.

The extra comment fields do not by default, display on the comments page (on your live website) as they are hidden (like the email field). However, you can display them by tweaking the code.

It’s easy to add more, reduce them to one or whatever!
If you want installation or modification help, I charge US$45 per hour with no charge if I can’t solve your requirement.

Cheers!
Solace

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Sol on December 9, 2010 at 10:18 pm said:

tested with WordPress 3.03

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Test on December 10, 2010 at 4:49 pm said:

This looks very promising!

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Sol on December 22, 2010 at 10:00 pm said:

Hello everyone

I’ve just completed an update to the plugin.

The new version is v1.2 Dec 21/2010
v1 July 2010: inital redevelopment script

v1.1: Dec 2010
- Tested and working fine in Twentyten theme. You may need to modify some parts of your files to fit any oither theme – it’s easy – read below!
- Changed variables in plugin file to remove hardcoded field reference
- added multiple field capability (added the fields)

v1.2: Dec 21 2010
- modified the code to remove a bug that displayed an “anonymous” comment on the post when a comment was pending.
- added additional text inside the plugin file to explain how to enable the extra comments data to be sent in the email notification
- added additional code in functions.php file to explain how to display the extra comment fields on the comment form.
- updated Admin area options configs
- updated the README installation instructions

Cheers
Sol

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Test 21 on December 23, 2010 at 11:24 pm said:

Here we have a test comment that shows the extra comment fields on the live site comment form

You can easily display comments on the live site – or hide them (like the email field)

It’s just a simple, small change in functions.php code supplied and I provide detailed instruction on how to do it ! :0-)

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Preston on December 31, 2010 at 5:21 am said:

Is it possible to use dropdowns as comment entry fields as well as the inputs, using your plugin.

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- Solaceten on December 31, 2010 at 10:03 pm said:
  
  Hi Preston
  
  UPDATED ANSWER OCT 2012: Please see the version comparison
  
  Yes, drop downs are included in the code – see the example below (Countries) – it works fine.
  
  Basically, you need to add the extra field and name it accordingly (e.g. country).
  You will have to add the dropdown content yourself (e.g. all the country or variable names).
  The selection made by the user from the dropdown is essentially what a user would write in a text box – if that makes sense.
  
  Regards
  Sol
  
  Reply ↓
Sol on December 31, 2010 at 10:01 pm said:

this is a test

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Sol on December 31, 2010 at 11:00 pm said:

This is a test to show comments with extra fields only displaying if they are not empty

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Sol on January 1, 2011 at 12:38 am said:

Updated and Tested with WordPress 3.04

Sol

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Preston on January 1, 2011 at 7:08 am said:

Makes total sense – thanks.

I have a bit of energy left in me, going to purchase and see if I can get this working.

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- Solaceten on January 2, 2011 at 8:48 pm said:
  
  Let me know if you need any help!
  
  Reply ↓
simon hannah on January 6, 2011 at 8:18 pm said:

This works with 3.0.4

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- Solaceten on January 6, 2011 at 9:11 pm said:
  
  Hi Simon
  
  Yes, it definitely works with 3.04 – that’s what version this blog is running on
  
  Cheers
  Sol
  
  Reply ↓
Sol on January 7, 2011 at 2:16 am said:

Hi Folks

A small bug has been found that causes an issue with the sidebar not wrapping correctly when “Allow Comments” is unticked in the Discussion tab on pages and posts.

The fix will be added to the next release (v1.4 due end Jan), but you can solve it yourself right now by viewing this post: http://www.solaceten.info/extra-comment-field-sidebar-bug.

Regards
Sol

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Olli on January 9, 2011 at 2:03 pm said:

Is it possible to edit the input from extra fields in the admin area with this plugin?

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- Solaceten on January 9, 2011 at 8:42 pm said:
  
  Hi Olli
  
  With the current plugin version, it’s not currently possible to edit the extra comment fields in admin – but this feature will be introduced in a soon to be released version… Of course, you can still edit and change the text of the main text comment… name, email and URL
  
  Cheers
  Sol
  
  Reply ↓
  - Olli on January 10, 2011 at 11:27 am said:
    
    OK,
    And can you give estimation when this version is ready?
    
    Reply ↓
    - Solaceten on January 10, 2011 at 9:03 pm said:
      
      Hi
      
      In the next 2 months for sure.
      
      Reply ↓
Brett Sanders on January 26, 2011 at 10:43 pm said:

Hi Sol,

I have sent you an e-mail about this, and if you have received it and I’m on your list to get back to then just ignore this one.

I recently bought the Plugin and it works beautifully! Thanks…

I wondered if you could help guide me through making my one extra comment field a “Required” field?

Thanks, I look forward to hearing from you.

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- Solaceten on January 27, 2011 at 9:24 pm said:
  
  Hi Brett
  
  UPDATED ANSWER OCT 2012: This is now a standard feature – please check the product comparison table to find out more.
  
  Thanks for the positive comments.
  
  I’ve responded to your email – and for anyone else that’s keen on this feature here’s my basic answer:
  
  Unfortunately WordPress, for whatever reason, makes it very very difficult to make additional fields required (I’m sure you’ve already goggled it and found that out!)
  
  However, I hope to incorporate this feature in the next release of the plugin. It’s hard to say exactly when that will be at the moment, but it’s in development.
  
  Reply ↓
Mike Broom on January 27, 2011 at 9:54 pm said:

This does look promising.

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yokser on February 20, 2011 at 6:18 pm said:

test only

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Sol on February 20, 2011 at 9:23 pm said:

Test comment using WordPress 3.05

This plugin works fine with WordPress version 3.05.

I just updated WordPress from version 3.04.

The only point to note is the following:
1) backup your files and DB before you update (you should know this already
2) Once updated to 3.05 – you need to re-FTP your functions and comments.php files
back to the server. Not sure why this is – but once done, it all works fine again.

Cheers
Sol

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Solaceten on February 25, 2011 at 5:47 am said:

WordPress 3.1 – I advise against upgrading your WordPress installation at this time.

There have been a number of issues identified with WordPress 3.1

The Extra Comment Fields plugin is currently being tested with 3.1
See here: http://www.solaceten.info/wordpress-3-1-compatibility

Thanks
Sol

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Felipe on March 1, 2011 at 1:39 am said:

Hi Sol. Excellent idea.

I wonder if your plugin supports different kind of fields like radio buttons or checkboxes. Thanks.

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Solaceten on March 1, 2011 at 2:04 am said:

Hi Felipe

UPDATED ANSWER OCT 2012: This is now a standard feature – please check the product comparison table to find out more.

It works fine for dropdowns and though I haven’t tried it – I cant see any reason why it wouldn’t work for radio buttons or checkboxes – should be quite straightforward.

Regards
Sol

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Pingback: Wordpress: how can I modify the default fields in the comments form? - Quora
Marcel on March 21, 2011 at 10:03 am said:

mere coapte

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Ross on April 13, 2011 at 1:34 pm said:

Is it possible to create a new comment field in the form of radio button where the user has to make a choice between either of them? And perhaps in the form of an image where said image of radio button choice gets published along with the comment?

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- Solaceten on April 14, 2011 at 10:28 am said:
  
  UPDATED ANSWER OCT 2012: This is now a standard feature – please check the product comparison table to find out more.
  
  I don’t see why not.
  
  Basically – the sky is the limit Just depends on how good your coding skills are
  
  Reply ↓
sheila on May 2, 2011 at 3:16 pm said:

Hi Sol,
I am very new at worldpress – building a blog.
I am an artist working with a sociologist. My blog needs extra 10 comment fields I need to collect (research) but that will not be published. Since I am very new at all this, would someone with no HTML knowledge be able to use your plugin? Once downloaded, does it automatically work? I’m using 3.01 and Twentyten theme.
Thanks,
sheila

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- Solaceten on May 3, 2011 at 2:13 am said:
  
  Hi Sheila – I replied via email
  
  Reply ↓
Alex Si on June 4, 2011 at 8:42 am said:

i luv this plugin

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- Solaceten on October 29, 2011 at 2:08 am said:
  
  Hi thanks for your comments – please see the updated version !
  
  Reply ↓
Gio on June 22, 2011 at 8:47 pm said:

I would like to add an extra field for registering (company name) in lieu of URL (website) field. Problem is I want that extra field to show up under the author name and before the IP address of the edit-comments.php page in the admin section prior to approval/deny of comment user. Please advise if your script can do such thing.

Thank you.

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- Solaceten on October 11, 2011 at 4:56 am said:
  
  Hi Gio
  
  UPDATED ANSWER OCT 2012: This is now a standard feature – please check the product comparison table to find out more.
  
  This is a customisation that we can perform for you.
  Please get in touch via the contact us page if you’d like to know more.
  Regards
  Sol
  
  Reply ↓
maria on August 6, 2011 at 1:37 pm said:

I’ve just bought your plugin and have not received the link for downloading yet!
ID transaction number [removed]
Regards,

Reply ↓
- Solaceten on August 7, 2011 at 12:10 am said:
  
  Hi – I see you have already downloaded it.
  The new plugin will be released soon.
  
  Thanks
  Sol
  
  Reply ↓
- Solaceten on October 29, 2011 at 2:08 am said:
  
  Hi thanks for your comments – I emailed you – please see the updated version !
  
  Reply ↓
Testing12 on October 11, 2011 at 2:36 am said:

What is your Favourite Colour ?: black (eek)
How often do you visit the dentist?: once in a blue moon
If you could go on holiday for free, where would you go !?: holiday for free comment form
How did you find us?: my cat

how come the extra fields don’t show up ?

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- Solaceten on October 11, 2011 at 4:54 am said:
  
  They show up when I (admin) approves them
  
  Reply ↓
- Solaceten on October 29, 2011 at 2:05 am said:
  
  They do – the comment must first be approved by Admin
  
  Reply ↓
Sol on April 20, 2012 at 5:51 am said:

What is your Favourite Colour ?: purple
How often do you visit the dentist?: once a year
If you could go on holiday for free, where would you go !?: anywhere in the sun !
How did you find us?: my cat

If you are a previous purchaser of the plugin, check this out:

http://www.solaceten.info/news/new-shop-and-changes/

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